Display stand for a tablet computer

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a display stand for securing a tablet computer from unauthorized removal or theft. The display stand may include a sleeve configured to at least partially receive a tablet computer therein and a base configured to releasably engage the sleeve. The base may be configured to engage the sleeve in a locked configuration so as to prevent removal of the sleeve and the tablet computer from the base and to disengage the sleeve in an unlocked configuration so as to allow the sleeve and the tablet computer to be removed from the base.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional utility patent application is a continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 14/854,594, filed on Sep. 15, 2015, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/059,735, filed on Oct. 22,2013, and now U.S. Pat. No. 9,163,433, entitled DISPLAY STAND FOR ATABLET COMPUTER, which claims the benefit of priority of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/720,541, filed on Oct. 31, 2012, entitledIPAD LOCKING AND DOCKING STAND, each of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a display standfor securing a tablet computer from theft or removal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Security stands, also commonly referred to as “kiosk” stands, are knownfor securing a tablet computer in a manufacturing, retail or officeenvironment. A tablet computer security stand commercially known asVOLT™ is available from Vanguard Protex Global, Inc. (VPG). The VOLT™security stand comprises a display pedestal and a disconnect sensorconfigured to be attached to the tablet computer and removably supportedon the pedestal. The VOLT™ security stand may also include means forproviding power and/or charging the tablet computer through a poweradapter cord, and may be electrically connected to an alarm modulecontaining monitoring electronics for activating san alarm in the eventthat the tablet computer is detached from the disconnect sensor. Thedisconnect sensor of the VOLT™ security stand, however, does notcomprise a sleeve that is configured to enclose a tablet computer, suchas, an Apple® iPad® tablet computer.

An enclosure for an iPad® tablet computer commercially known as theArchelon™ iPad Enclosure includes an inner frame configured to receivean iPad® and an outer frame that is secured to the inner frame bymechanical fasteners. The inner frame is movably mounted on a kioskstand such that the frame and the iPad® can be tilted, rotated 180degrees and/or angled as desired.

An enclosure for an iPad® tablet computer commercially known as theJacket iPad® Enclosure includes a two-piece frame that is secured andlocked around an iPad tablet computer with a barrel lock and key. TheJacket iPad® Enclosure may be supported on and locked to an optionalmount.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a display stand forsecuring a tablet computer from unauthorized removal or theft. Thedisplay stand may include a sleeve configured to at least partiallyreceive a tablet computer therein and a base including a lock configuredto releasably engage the sleeve. The base may be configured to engagethe sleeve in a locked configuration so as to prevent removal of thesleeve and the tablet computer from the base and to disengage the sleevein an unlocked configuration so as to allow the sleeve and the tabletcomputer to be removed from the base.

In some embodiments, the sleeve comprises a first portion and a secondportion that are configured to engage one another to secure the tabletcomputer therein. The tablet computer may include opposing sidesextending between opposing ends, and the first portion and the secondportion may each comprise peripheral sides and a peripheral endconfigured to overlie and enclose the opposing sides and one of theopposing ends.

According to one aspect, the sleeve comprises a locking lug configuredto releasably engage the base. The base may include a recess configuredto at least partially receive the locking lug therein. The base mayinclude at least one locking stud configured to releasably engage thelocking lug. The locking lug may include a groove configured to bereleasably engaged by the at least one locking stud. In one example, theat least one locking stud is configured to be mechanically biased intoengagement with the locking lug.

In other embodiments, the base comprises a lock configured to cooperatewith a key for locking and/or unlocking the sleeve and tablet computerfrom the base. The lock may include a mechanical lock configured tocooperate with a key or an electronic lock configured to communicatewith an electronic key. The electronic lock may be configured to receiveelectrical power from the electronic key for operating the electroniclock. In one embodiment, the electronic lock comprises a security code,and the electronic lock is configured to unlock in response to receivinga matching security code from the electronic key. In some embodiments,the display stand also includes an alarm unit disposed within the base,wherein the alarm unit is configured to activate an alarm in the eventthat the sleeve and the tablet computer are removed from the base in anunauthorized manner. The alarm unit may be configured to communicatewith an electronic key for arming or disarming thereof. Moreover, thebase may include means for charging the tablet computer or transferringpower to the tablet computer.

In another embodiment, a display stand for securing a tablet computerfrom unauthorized removal or theft is provided. The display standincludes a sleeve configured to at least partially receive a tabletcomputer therein and a base configured to releasably engage the sleeve.The display stand also includes a lock configured to lock the sleeve andthe tablet computer to the base so as to prevent removal of the sleeveand the tablet computer from the base. In addition, the display standincludes a key configured to unlock the lock so as to allow the sleeveand the tablet computer to be removed from the base.

According to one embodiment, a method for securing a tablet computerfrom unauthorized removal or theft is provided. The method includespositioning a tablet computer within a sleeve and locking the sleeve andthe tablet computer to the base so as to prevent removal of the sleeveand the tablet computer from the base. The method further includesunlocking the lock with a key so as to allow the sleeve and the tabletcomputer to be removed from the base. In some embodiments, the methodalso includes displaying the sleeve and the tablet computer in one of aplurality of predetermined display orientations. The unlocking step mayinclude unlocking the lock with an electronic key.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view showing the two-piece sleeve of a security standand a tablet computer to be enclosed by the sleeve according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view showing the tablet computer inserted into andpartially enclosed by the first piece of the sleeve.

FIG. 3 is an environmental perspective view showing the tablet computerenclosed within the sleeve and positioned to be attached and locked tothe base of the security stand. FIG. 3 further shows a programmableelectronic key for locking the sleeve containing the tablet computer tothe base and for subsequently unlocking the sleeve and the from thebase.

FIG. 4 is an environmental perspective view showing the sleevecontaining the tablet computer locked to the base of the security stand.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the tablet computer positioned on the base ofthe security stand in a portrait orientation.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the tablet computer positioned on the base ofthe security stand in a landscape orientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichvarious embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may,however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construedas limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to thoseskilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a merchandisedisplay security stand for a tablet computer such as, for example, aniPad® manufactured and offered for sale by Apple, Inc. The securitystand includes a sleeve configured to enclose the tablet computer and abase operable for releasably attaching the sleeve to the base. The basemay include an alarm and monitoring electronics for activating the alarmin the event that the tablet computer and the security sleeve aredetached from the base. The base may further include means for chargingthe internal battery of the tablet computer, for example, by contact orinductive charging.

In some embodiments, the invention is a merchandise display securitystand, or kiosk stand, for an iPad® tablet computer manufactured andsold by Apple, Inc. The display stand includes a sleeve configured toreceive the tablet computer and to lock the sleeve and the tabletcomputer to a base in a desired orientation. The base may include analarm and monitoring electronics for activating the alarm in the eventthat the sleeve and the tablet computer are detached from the base. Thedisplay stand may further include means for charging the internalbattery of the tablet computer and/or for providing operating power tothe tablet computer, for example, by contact or inductive charging. Thedisplay stand may be used in any retail, manufacturing, or officeenvironment for mounting the tablet computer in a convenient orientationfor use by employees and/or customers, while securing the iPad againsttheft or removal. Although reference is made herein to an iPad® tabletcomputer, it is understood that the sleeve is adaptable to tabletcomputers made by other manufacturers (e.g., Microsoft Surface tablet,Samsung Galaxy Note tablet, etc.). Moreover, although the term “sleeve”is used herein, it is understood that term is not intended to belimiting and may be any sleeve, shroud, or the like configured toreceive a tablet computer operably engage a baseFki.

According to one embodiment, FIG. 1 is a top view showing the sleeve 20of the display stand 10 (FIG. 3) configured (i.e., sized and shaped) forenclosing an iPad® tablet computer 15. The sleeve 20 comprises a firstportion 24 and a second portion 28 that is somewhat smaller than thefirst portion. First portion 24 and second portion 28 of sleeve 20 arepreferably made of a formable, substantially rigid material, such ashard plastic, composite or thin sheet metal. As shown in FIG. 2, thetablet computer 15 is received within the first portion 24 of the sleeve20 and the second portion 28 is positioned over the free end of thetablet computer that extends beyond the first portion. First portion 24is provided with peripheral sides 21, 22 and a peripheral end 23 thatoverlie and enclose the opposite sides and an end of the tablet computer15. Likewise, second portion 28 is provided with peripheral sides 25, 26and a peripheral end 27 that overlie and enclose the opposite sides andthe other end of the tablet computer 15. First portion 24 and secondportion 28 are secured together with tablet computer 15 disposed thereinand contained by the peripheral sides 21, 22, 25, 26 and peripheral ends23, 27 by mechanical fasteners 29, 30, 31. Fasteners 29, 30, 31 arepreferably provided with a tamper-proof head that requires a customizedtool that is not readily available to others so that the fastenerscannot be easily removed by a potential thief. Alternatively, thefasteners 29, 30, 31 may be positioned on the first portion 24 and thesecond portion 28 so as to be inaccessible when the sleeve 20 containingthe tablet computer 15 is locked in place on the display stand, as willbe described.

FIG. 3 is an environmental perspective view showing the tablet computer15 contained within the first portion 24 and the second portion 28 ofthe sleeve 20 and positioned to be attached to a base 40 of the displaystand 10. The base 40 may include at least one opening or recess 45configured for receiving at least one corresponding locking lug 35extending from the rear, or underside, of the first portion 24 of thesleeve 20. Locking lug 35 is configured received within the recess 45 ofthe base 40, and a locking stud, pin, cam, or the like (not shown)disposed within the base is configured to engage a corresponding slot orgroove 37 provided on the locking lug. The locking stud engages thegroove 37 of the locking lug 35 to lock the sleeve 20 and the tabletcomputer 15 to the base 40, and alternatively, the locking studdisengages from the groove of the locking lug to unlock the sleeve andthe tablet computer from the base. The groove 37 of the locking lug 35is configured to permit the locking stud to lock the sleeve 20 and thetablet computer 15 on the base 40 of the display stand 10 as desired ina portrait orientation, as illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, oralternatively, in a landscape orientation, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Itis understood that the illustrated locking lug 35 and groove 37 are notintended to be limiting, as other locking arrangements may be employed.For example, the locking groove 37 may extend about at least a portionof the locking lug 35, and there may be a plurality of locking studsconfigured to engage the locking groove. Alternatively, the locking lug35 may be provided with a locking stud, while the base 40 could includea locking groove 37.

In one embodiment, the base may include a mechanical lock for actuatingthe locking stud, and a key may be used to move the locking stud betweenthe unlocked configuration and the locked configuration. Alternatively,and as shown in FIG. 2, a programmable electronic key 50 and acorresponding programmable electronic lock 55 may be used to actuate thelocking stud between the unlocked configuration and the lockedconfiguration. Programmable electronic key 50 and programmableelectronic lock 55 are each provided with a security code. The key 50 ispositioned adjacent the lock 55 such that the electronics of the key arein data communication with the electronics of the lock. In the eventthat the security code of the key 50 matches the security code of thelock 55, the key is authorized to transfer electrical power to the lockto operate the locking stud between the unlocked and the lockedconfigurations. Key 50 may transfer electrical power to lock 55 in anyknown manner. However, in a preferred embodiment, the key 50 transferselectrical power to the lock 55 via inductive transfer. In anotherembodiment, the locking stud may be mechanically biased, for example, byan elastic member, such as a spring, towards the locked configuration.In this manner, the locking stud is moved against the biasing force ofthe elastic member from the locked configuration to the unlockedconfiguration as the locking lug 35 is received within the recess 45 ofthe base 40 and is biased into the locked configuration when the lockinglug is fully seated within the recess. The key 50 and the lock 55 arethen used to move the locking stud against the biasing force of theelastic element from the locked configuration to the unlockedconfiguration. When the key 50 is removed from the lock 55, the lockingstud is permitted to move under the biasing force of the elastic elementback to the locked configuration.

If desired, the display stand 10 may be provided with an alarm unit 47disposed within the base and comprising an alarm and monitoringelectronics for activating the alarm in the event that the sleeve 20 andthe tablet computer 15 are detached from the base in an unauthorizedmanner. For example, the programmable electronic key 50 may be used tocommunicate an electrical signal to engage, or “arm,” the monitoringelectronics of the alarm unit 47. Likewise, the programmable electronickey 50 may further be used to communicate an electrical signal todisengage, or “disarm,” the monitoring electronics. When armed, themonitoring electronics monitor a sensor switch, such as a limit switch,operably positioned between the locking lug 35 disposed on the sleeve 20and the recess 45 formed in the base 40. If the locking lug 35 isremoved from the recess 45 without the key 50 first disarming themonitoring electronics, the monitoring electronics of the alarm unitactivates the alarm. Once the key 50 has been used to disarm themonitoring electronics, the locking lug 37 can be removed from therecess 45 and the monitoring electronics will not activate the alarm inresponse to the sensor switch. The alarm unit 47 of the base 40,including the sensor switch, may be provided with electrical power froman external source. Alternatively, or as desired, alarm unit 47 may beprovided with an internal replaceable or rechargeable battery since thelock 55 is operated by electrical power transferred from the key 50 andthe remainder of the display stand 10 is entirely mechanical.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will bereadily apparent to one skilled in the art having the benefit of theteachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associateddrawings. Therefore, it is understood and appreciated that the inventionis not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, andthat modifications to the disclosed embodiments and other undisclosedembodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appendedclaims.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A system for securing a tablet computerfrom unauthorized removal or theft, the system comprising: a sleeveconfigured to be coupled to a tablet computer, wherein the sleevecomprises a sleeve locking member; and a base comprising an electroniclock configured to releasably engage the sleeve in a lockedconfiguration so as to prevent removal of the sleeve and the tabletcomputer from the base and to disengage the sleeve in an unlockedconfiguration so as to allow the sleeve and the tablet computer to beremoved from the base, wherein the base comprises a base locking memberconfigured to engage the sleeve locking member, the base locking membercomprising a plurality of locking studs biased towards the lockedconfiguration and each configured to engage the sleeve locking memberwhen the sleeve is positioned on the base.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the sleeve locking member has a curved outer surface and atleast one circumferentially extending opening defined about the curvedouter surface.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the sleeve lockingmember comprises a locking lug configured to releasably engage the base.4. The system of claim 3, wherein the base comprises a recess configuredto at least partially receive the locking lug therein.
 5. The system ofclaim 3, wherein the locking lug comprises a groove configured to bereleasably engaged by the plurality of locking studs.
 6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the tablet computer is configured to be selectivelypositioned on the base in the locked configuration in one of a pluralityof display orientations.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the pluralityof display orientations comprises a landscape orientation and a portraitorientation.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the sleeve locking memberis configured to overcome the bias of the plurality of locking studs asthe sleeve locking member is positioned on the base, and wherein theplurality of locking studs are configured to be biased to the lockedconfiguration when the sleeve is fully positioned on the base.
 9. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising an electronic key configured tocooperate with the electronic lock for unlocking the sleeve and thetablet computer from the base.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein theelectronic lock comprises a security code, and wherein the electroniclock is configured to unlock in response to receiving a matchingsecurity code from the electronic key.
 11. The system of claim 9,wherein the electronic key is configured to cooperate with theelectronic lock for moving the base locking member against the bias ofan elastic member to the unlocked configuration.
 12. The system of claim1, wherein the base comprises means for charging the tablet computer ortransferring power to the tablet computer.
 13. The system of claim 1,wherein the base is configured to charge the tablet computer via contactcharging.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is configured tooverlie and enclose opposing sides and opposing ends of the tabletcomputer.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of lockingstuds are biased towards the locked configuration with at least oneelastic member.
 16. A method for securing a tablet computer fromunauthorized removal or theft, the method comprising: coupling a tabletcomputer to a sleeve, wherein the sleeve comprises a sleeve lockingmember; positioning the sleeve on a base such that the tablet computeris locked to the base with an electronic lock so as to prevent removalof the tablet computer from the base, wherein the base comprises a baselocking member configured to engage the sleeve locking member, the baselocking member comprising a plurality of locking studs biased towardsthe locked configuration and each configured to engage the sleevelocking member when the sleeve is positioned on the base; and unlockingthe electronic lock so as to allow the sleeve and the tablet computer tobe removed from the base.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprisingcharging the tablet computer with the base via contact charging orinductive charging.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprisingselectively positioning the sleeve and the tablet computer in one of aplurality of predetermined display orientations while locked to thebase.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein unlocking comprises unlockingthe lock with an electronic key so as to allow the sleeve and the tabletcomputer to be removed from the base.
 20. The method of claim 16,wherein positioning comprises positioning the sleeve on the base suchthat the sleeve locking member overcomes a bias of an elastic member asthe sleeve is positioned on the base.